If you’re anything like me, you have tons of leftover yarn from various projects, and you just can’t bear to simply throw it away. So what do we do with it?? Here are some creative ideas to help you turn those yarn scraps into something useful.
Embroidered Accents
Add a touch of personality to clothing or accessories with simple yarn embroidery stitches. Yarn works great for this and I really love it on denim, like on this denim jacket here.
Learn how to use yarn for embroidery here: Embroidering on a sweater
Textured Wall Art
Create a one-of-a-kind yarn wall hanging by knotting or weaving scraps onto a canvas or frame. These are amazing for using up bits of yarn and can also turn these scraps into projects you can sell or use to decorate your home.
Find my favorite textured wall art weaver here: Ashton Zager Fiber Art
Scrunchies for Days
Transform even the smallest yarn bits into stylish scrunchies with a simple wrap or a few knit or crochet stitches. These are super easy and even great for absolute beginners!
My favorite scrunchie patterns: Crochet scrunchie, Knit scrunchie
Miniature Macrame & Weaving
Try your hand at macrame keychains or weave tiny tapestries for a touch of boho charm. You can braid several strands of yarn to make thicker macrame-style cords.
See my favorite macrame keychain tutorial here.
Miniature Amigurumi
These adorable crochet critters are a fun and playful way to use up your smallest bits of yarn. You can also find small patterns for knit toys that use up tiny bits of yarn. I once made a small knit mouse out of a tiny bit of leftover gray and pink yarn and loved it!
Get the free bunny pattern here: Maisey the Crochet Bunny
Knit & Crochet Flowers
These little blooms are perfect for using up scrap yarn and adding a touch of cheer to hats, bags, or even as pins and brooches.
See a great list of crochet flowers here, and another for knitted flowers here.
Tassels & Pom Poms Galore
Add a touch of whimsy to bags, keys, or home decor with playful tassels and pom poms. You can make these in so many ways!
Learn how here: Tassels and pom poms
Bowls
Transform rope and yarn into colorful statement pieces with a simple yarn-wrapping technique. This works great and is also a wonderful craft to do with kids!
Learn how here: Yarn wrapped rope bowl tutorial
Knit or Crochet Coasters
Protect your surfaces with style! Create custom coasters using different stitches and color combos. Even beginners can create an easy coaster.
See crochet coaster patterns here and knitted coaster patterns here.
Yarn Scrap Stuffing
Instead of store-bought filling, stuff your amigurumi with leftover yarn for a unique texture and sustainable twist. I’ve also used super soft leftover yarn to fill a throw pillow and it’s one of my kids’ favorites!
Tip: Use a pet brush to fluff your leftover yarn for more of a traditional stuffing.
